Ahead of his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized cooperation and resistance against Western sanctions in an article published in the North Korean Labor Party’s newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, on the 18th.
In his op-ed titled “Russia and the DPRK: Traditions of Friendship and Cooperation Through the Years,” Putin expressed his intention to develop trade and payment systems with North Korea independent of Western control.
He said Russia and North Korea will develop trade and payment systems “that are not controlled by the West” and jointly oppose sanctions against the countries, which he described as “illegal, unilateral restrictions.”
Putin also emphasized his willingness to cooperate closely with North Korea to build an equal and indivisible security structure in Eurasia and make international relations more democratic and stable.
He announced plans to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including humanitarian cooperation, invigorating scientific activities between higher education institutions, mutual tourism, culture and education, and youth and sports exchanges.
Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support over the past 70 years and highly praised North Korea’s support for the war in Ukraine. He said, “We highly appreciate the DPRK’s unwavering support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, their solidarity with us on key international matters, and their willingness to defend our common priorities and views within the United Nations.”
Putin also criticized the West, saying, “Pyongyang is willing to staunchly oppose the Western influence’s desire to undermine the establishment of a multipolar world order based on respect for justice and sovereignty and consideration of each other’s interests as our reliable comrade and supporter both yesterday and today.” He declared his intention to strengthen solidarity with North Korea.
He emphasized, “Russia has incessantly supported and will support the DPRK and the heroic Korean people in their struggle against the treacherous, dangerous and aggressive enemy, in their fight for independence, identity and the right to freely choose their development path.”
Putin is scheduled to arrive in Pyongyang on the evening of the 18th for a two-day state visit to North Korea. Predictions are high that Putin and Kim may sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
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